England's last-gasp win in the semi-final of Euro 2024 has brought to an end any connections to Reading Football Club, with Nathan Ake part of the Netherlands' defeated side.
Ollie Watkins netted off the bench with seconds left on the clock to dramatically steer the Three Lions into their first final on foreign soil and second successive European Championship final.
Manchester City's Ake, 29, featured in every single match for the Dutch as they reached their first semi-final in over a decade.
"I wish them all the best but for us it's very difficult to take."
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) July 10, 2024
Nathan Ake stays level-headed despite the tough last minute loss in the semi-final!#EURO2024 | #beINEURO | #HomeofEuro | #MCFC pic.twitter.com/JR2Rz6rXsL
While on the books with Chelsea in 2015, the defender spent a short-term loan spell in Berkshire and made five appearances for the Royals.
Impressing while with the club, he has not dropped out of the Premier League since, having lifted the trophy on six occasions.
After the Dutch exit was confirmed, Ake commented: "Football can be cruel sometimes! It wasn’t to be. Thank you to all the fans coming out here in numbers this Tournament! We will be back."
Romania striker George Puscas, Scotland manager Steve Clarke and Georgian coach Zurab Khiznalvili were the other Royal links at the tournament.
Spain defender Nacho Fernandez is the brother of former Reading midfielder Alex Fernandez, who spent the 2015/16 season on loan with the club.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel